Friday, March 11, 2011

Paying It Forward

Good morning, my friends! Last year around this time, I was lucky enough to receive a beautifully stitched piece from Andrea as part of a PIF (Pay-It-Forward). You can see what she sent me right here--gorgeous, isn't it? Well, I had one year to stitch three treats for fellow stitchers who signed up to continue the kindness after they received my gifts. I squeaked right in under the deadline and I'm happy to say all three PIFs have been received and the recipients seem quite pleased with my efforts.

This little bird flew all the way to New Zealand and is now making his home with Lee. She is a major bird-lover, so I knew this would be the perfect piece for her. I've stitched it before for myself back in 2009, but mine remains unfinished in a dark drawer--I really need to get to it! I finished this one with some tiny brown beads and a brown ribbon hanger that I thought complemented the shades of brown in the bird. It is stitched on 32 ct. twilight blue Permin linen using DMC threads. "Painted Egg" is from the Cross-Eyed Cricket Design No. 109 chart called "Eggs...etera." (By the way, I will forever associate this little design with the beginning of my friendship with Myra as she asked about it and our friendship was born!) Anyway, I'm so glad you like it, Lee--it was a pleasure stitching it for you...

My next PIF has hopped it's way into the hearts of Melanie and her family in the United Kingdom. She told me that not only did she love it, but that her children were trying to claim it for their own, too! This is from Just Nan's "Spring!" chart and is stitched on 28 ct. gray Monaco with DMC. I backed it with the pale green leafy fabric shown and added a trio of pink, green, and white ribbons. I'm sure the little bunny will be very happy in his new home "across the pond."

I actually sent my third PIF to Shari in Indiana back in December. Most of you will recognize this as another Just Nan piece called "Snow Faces." Sweet Cindy had given me the chart as a gift last year and I thoroughly enjoyed stitching it. It is finished on 28 ct. blue Monaco with the suggested DMC threads. I did add a little border around it to give it a little something "extra" and trimmed it with snow-white cording and a pretty ribbon. I hope you enjoy it for years to come, Shari...

So, that completes my portion of the PIF--I look forward to seeing what creations spring from the hands of these three talented stitchers...

Oh, and look what we woke up to again this morning. After days of rain, surprise...the snow has returned. This is the view from my front door taken just now. Seriously, Mother Nature--did you know that spring begins on March 20th--nine days from now? It looks more like Christmas outside doesn't it? Time to get out the shovels again...

And, finally, finally, after two+ years, I have reached my 100th post today!! I think this calls for a bit of a giveaway--what do you think? Look for a little stitched something as a giveaway prize on my next post... Nothing huge, just a little token of my appreciation to say thank you for visiting me and taking the time to say 'hello!' Your comments never fail to bring me smiles. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone. Bye for now...

Love the PIFs ! Congratulations on your 100th post Carol! That is great news! We have had a tonne of rain and I bet snow will be coming again soon. Haven't posted in awhile but am stitching so will hope to have some show and tell soon. Hope spring comes soon in your neck of the woods!

I am so blessed to be the recipient of one of the PIF's. I love it & each year, as I put up my Christmas Tree in my stitching room, I will think of sweet Carol...oh my about the snow......it is beautiful in the picture, BUT....BRING ON SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow Carol - your finishing is just divine! I am in love with painted egg, it looks fabulous stitched on the blue linen. The brown ribbon complements the finished piece beautifully, the colour combination reminds me of a blackbird's egg.

Goodness, every one of them is gorgeous - never done a PIF since I am a procrastinator.....! I'm just about to have a Skype conversation with the Pittsburgh treasure so expect I shall hear all about the snow, lol! I won't tell you that we have had beautiful weather here in Cheshire!

Wow, all three are beautiful finishes. I think I'm going to need more practice before I'm as good as you are! I love the little spring bunny, what a sweet design. Sorry to hear that the snow has returned, let's hope spring is not too far behind. I look forward to seeing what you've got planned for a giveaway, I'm just starting to put together my first blogaversary giveaway, be sure to look out for it! Happy stitching friend :)

You certainly paid it forward in a special way, Carol. Your choice of designs and your finishing is impeccable. Too bad that bunny hasn't brought you spring yet! Congratulations on your milestone - as your recent giveaway recipient I can attest to how well you spoil people. Anyone receving something you've stitched will be so lucky.

Carol, I'm sure your edges are estimated by the people for whom they are dedicated. All your points are given with affection and that is evident in the final result. They are three very beautiful and delicate finish.It seems that the snow does not want to leave with the desire to have the coming of the good weather. Raining here today, we had some good days, but the rain has come back, that no, we do not have snow.Have a good weekend.Besos.

Carol, you do such beautiful work ~ your finishing looks so professional!! I love the way you added the beads around the first piece. I will have to give that a try sometime.That winter time scene is gorgeous, but I'm sure you'd rather NOT see it in March! LOL

Those are 3 lucky ladies to have received a PIF stitched by you! All three are just gorgeous Carol but I think you know which is my favorite. :o) Every time I see that little bird I smile and as you said I will always associate it with the beginning of our friendship.

Gosh! I can't believe you have more snow. I will be thinking spring thoughts for you as we are supposed to be near 70 here this weekend. Time to start turning the soil in preparation for the garden. I sure hope this is the last you see of old man winter.

I was lucky enough to recieve the little bunny. The picture doesn't do it justice, it's lovely and finished to perfection. Oh and it's still mine, I've managed to keep the kids away still. LOL. Thank you again Carol.

What gorgeous PIF's you stitched Carol! Congrats on reaching your 100th post, my goodness, that is a milestone. I think it will take me years to reach that one!!!!! Oh, look at that snow! I am hoping that it melts quickly!!! Have a good weekend my friend.

Your PIFs are all fantastic Carol! I'm in love with that little bird. Now I'm going to have to go and find that chart so I can stitch one for myself!Congrats on reaching 100 followers. A giveaway sounds absolutely wonderful!I see you're stuck with more of that white stuff too. Our rain didn't get rid of all of ours and we had a bit more overnight.

Hi Carol !Your PIFS are all beautiful !I love very much the little bunny of Just Nan's "Spring" !!!Oh !!! I can't beleinve you have more snow !!! Here, it is raining.... and we have the first daffodils in the garden !Have a good week-end my dear friend !I think of you....and I hope that you are well !Hugs

I just love the ornaments you have sent out as PIF presents. My personal favorite is the little bird on the egg on that lovely blue fabric.

And what a huge amount of snow you still have! I am sure that such an amount would stop people going to work for several days here! :) We are still waiting for the spring too (although our weather would be spring already in other places), this last week we had rain and rain, hopefully we will have some sunshine soon.

Wow! It does look like Christmas LOLHere the weather is getting ready to welcome Spring :) Thank God!!! Snow is beautiful.. in pictures heheheh This last winter, the cold was terrible! I'm happy that's over :)I hope you'll have warm sunshine soon too!!

I love love your "Painted Egg" finished. A simple finishing BUT believe me, this is the loveliest finish I ever saw. The thread colors, the brown beads and the brown ribbon are just perfectly matched. And the I fallen in love with your chosen fabric. I'm going to order mine later. Your Bunny finish is super cute!

Sorry to hear about more snow after few days of rain, I hope spring will come to you very soon. :)

Congratulations on your 100th post! I can't wait to enter into your giveaway. (LOL) Because I wish I could be the lucky one to own one of your beautiful finish that I admired since I first visit to your blog.

Carol, Carol, Carol...your creations are just divine! You are so talented and your stitching is beautiful!

I've loved that little bird patterns for years now but still have not gotten my paws on the pattern yet. You have now reminded me of something I need to do ;o) I'm not sure if I should thank you for this or not. LOL!

Welcome!

Welcome ~ I'm so glad you've dropped in for a visit! I love getting to know fellow cross stitchers from around the world, discovering new stitching blogs, and being inspired by your work. I hope you enjoy your visit today and thanks for taking the time to say "hello!"Carol